Types of Taxis

Taxi

Bangkok Taxi

Taxis in Bangkok are very colorful and unique; you will be able to tell that they are taxis from their appearances. You will definitely see them around because there are more than 150,000 taxis in Bangkok. If the light on the left (of the driver) is on, it means that they are at your service.

Fare: Fare starts from 35 Thai Baht and increases gradually according to time and distance.[/vc_column_text][vc_cta h2=”Bangkokbits’ Tips on Bangkok Taxis” h2_font_container=”color:%23e26d25″ h2_use_theme_fonts=”yes” style=”custom” use_custom_fonts_h2=”true” custom_background=”#f0f0f0″ custom_text=”#444444″]1. Although other types are also considered Taxis, Thai people only call this type of taxi ‘Taxi’. Others are called something else.

2. There are many good Bangkok taxis; however, there are plenty that want to cheat on foreigners; they may tell you to pay a fixed price. Just ask them politely to turn the meter on or just leave that one and wait for another. Some may also offer you a free ride to some gorgeous places. Turn them down or you will have to pay a lot more than a taxi fare (for the goods claimed a lot cheaper than the market price but it actually is far more expensive).

* In our opinion, fixed price is acceptable only when you call a taxi from Bangkok City Center to the airports but it should not exceed 500 Thai Baht.

3. Apart from the fixed price problem, you may get rejected by some Taxi drivers with excuses like “Oh, there’s not enough gas in the tank” or “Unfortunately, I need to return my car”, especially during peak hours. To avoid these problems, it is recommended to use Grab, a famous regional taxi application, to call a taxi. The fare for GrabTaxi is similar to calling a normal taxi (as it is a normal taxi) plus 25 Thai Baht. Payment is made directly to the driver. Despite having to pay more, it’s worth it as it will come to pick you up at your location. Plus, Drivers certified by Grab are usually more polite than those who aren’t.

* Grab also has Grabcar service which is a private hire (can be called from Grab application). There are 3 types of Grabcar; Grabcar (Economy), Grabcar+ (Premium) and GrabXL (12-Seater van). Its pricing table can be found below (updated 12 December 2015);

** There is a local taxi app called ‘All Thai Taxi’ but it is not yet famous as they don’t have enough taxi in hand.[/vc_cta][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1450694488821{margin-top: 20px !important;}”][vc_column_text]

Uber

My first Uber driver

Uber is world’s leading taxi application. Its service comprises of UberX (so called affordable Uber) and UberBLACK (so called original Uber). Drivers use their own car to pick you up so you have to notice from their car type and car’s license plate providing in the application.

Fare: UberX Starts from 25 Thai Baht and increases gradually according to time and distance. It’s a bit cheaper comparing with normal taxis. UberBLACK starts from 50 Thai Baht and increases gradually according to time and distance. Payment is made by credit card.[/vc_column_text][vc_cta h2=”” h4=”Bangkokbits’ Tips on Uber” h4_font_container=”color:%23e26d25″ h4_use_theme_fonts=”yes” style=”custom” custom_background=”#f0f0f0″ custom_text=”#444444″ use_custom_fonts_h4=”true”]1. Don’t trust Bangkok’s traffic! Before calling Uber, it is recommended to spare time for 10-15 minutes.

2. During peak hours, you may face a surge price up to 2 times from normal fare.

3. Check your receipt in the app or in your email every time. You may be charged for a toll despite your driver not using it. If the fare is not correct, just simply contact them through the app. They reply back quite quickly.[/vc_cta][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1450694488821{margin-top: 20px !important;}”][vc_column_text]

Tuk Tuk

Tuk Tuk

Tuk Tuk, A 3-wheel ride, is one of Bangkok’s signatures. It is fast and furious. You will get excited every minute on it.

Fare: Bargain with the driver[/vc_column_text][vc_cta h2=”” h4=”Bangkokbits’ Tips on Tuk Tuk” h4_font_container=”color:%23e26d25″ h4_use_theme_fonts=”yes” style=”custom” custom_background=”#f0f0f0″ custom_text=”#444444″ use_custom_fonts_h4=”true”]1. If you have other options, it is recommended to avoid Tuk Tuk. The reason is that they don’t have meter like Taxi. Every price they call is based on their experiences and feelings. It also depends on who their customers are; you, as a foreigner, may be charged more than it is supposed to be.

2. If you really want to try an exotic experience with Tuk Tuk, try not to call them to or from famous attractions as it can be a lot more expensive than taxi or Uber.[/vc_cta][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1450694488821{margin-top: 20px !important;}”][vc_column_text]

Motorbike Taxi

Motorbike Taxi is another Bangkok’s signature. Drivers normally wear orange or green vests with their zone and number on it. It really works well in peak hours as they can drive pass through Bangkok’s chaotic traffic.

Fare: Bargain with the driver[/vc_column_text][vc_cta h2=”” h4=”Bangkokbits’ Tips on Motorbike” h4_font_container=”color:%23e26d25″ h4_use_theme_fonts=”yes” style=”custom” custom_background=”#f0f0f0″ custom_text=”#444444″ use_custom_fonts_h4=”true”]1. Even though they can get you to your destination faster than other methods, please bear in mind that it is riskier – With great fastness comes great risk.

2. Always ask your driver for a helmet.

3. If you have other options, it is recommended to avoid Motorbike Taxi. The reason is that they don’t have meter like Taxi. If you call one on the street, you may be charged more than it is supposed to be.

4. Every driver has their groups and stations. Getting a motorbike taxi at its station (where there are many motorbike taxis parking) will reduce chances of being cheated.

5. GrabTaxi also has a service for motorbike taxi called GrabBike (can be called from GrabTaxi application).

* In February 2016, Uber also launched a GrabBike-like service called Uber Moto. It can be called in Uber application.

* Update on May 2016, Grab Bike and Uber Moto are banned by Thai government until further notice.